Sunscreens Part 1: Mechanisms and Efficacy

Sara Abdel Azim; Liat Bainvoll; Natalia Vecerek; Vincent A DeLeo; Brandon L Adler

doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2024.02.065

Sunscreens Part 1: Mechanisms and Efficacy

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024 May 19:S0190-9622(24)00785-0. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2024.02.065. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Sara Abdel Azim¹, Liat Bainvoll², Natalia Vecerek³, Vincent A DeLeo³, Brandon L Adler⁴

Affiliations

¹ Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C.
² Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
³ Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
⁴ Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA. Electronic address: brandon.adler@med.usc.edu.

PMID: 38772426
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2024.02.065

Abstract

As our knowledge of the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation continues to evolve, sunscreen remains an integral part of a comprehensive photoprotection strategy against multiple endpoints of ultraviolet-mediated damage. Part 1 of this review covers sunscreen active and additive ingredient properties, mechanisms of action and gaps in coverage. Following an overview of sunscreen's efficacy in protecting against sunburn, photocarcinogenesis, photoaging, pigmentary disorders, and idiopathic photodermatoses, we highlight considerations for product use and selection in children and individuals with skin of color.

Keywords: actinic keratoses; antioxidants; basal cell carcinoma; chemical filters; encapsulation; inorganic filters; iron oxide; keratinocyte carcinoma; melanoma; melasma; nanoparticles; organic filters; photoaging; photodermatoses; photoprotection; physical filters; pigmentation; squamous cell carcinoma; sunburn; sunscreen; tinted sunscreen; ultraviolet light; visible light.

Publication types

Review